PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles’ defense has bent, leaked and answered back. Each week has brought deep shots, injuries and rookies thrown into the fire. Through it all, coordinator Vic Fangio’s group has been uneven but unbeaten, carrying a 4-0 record into Sunday’s matchup against Denver.

The 31–25 win in Tampa Bay last Sunday was another snapshot of this unit: not flawless, but functional. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards, including a 77-yard strike to Emeka Egbuka, and Tampa hit field goals from 65 and 58 yards.

Fangio pointed to the NFL’s new kicking-ball procedures as part of the equation. “These kicking balls … have drastically changed the field goals,” he said. “The guy in Dallas (Brandon Aubrey) is going to hit a 70-plus yarder this year. You can just book it.”

Desp

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